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Ram's 2017 Power Wagon is a buff, capable, heavy-duty pickup (pictures)

Building on the aesthetics of the Ram 1500 Rebel, the Power Wagon might just be the perfect physical embodiment of the word "truck."

Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
2017 Ram Power Wagon
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2017 Ram Power Wagon
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If the Power Wagon's chunky grille looks familiar, that's because it's been borrowed from the Ram 1500 Rebel.

2017 Ram Power Wagon
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Hope you like gas-powered V-8s, because that's the only available engine in the Power Wagon.

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Ram continues to raise the bar in both tailgate badge size and straightforwardness.

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No one behind this truck will fail to figure out what it is.

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Unless you can't read. In that case, you might still need to ask someone what this is.

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Its off-road wheel and tire combination look aggressive standing still.

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You don't have to get the Power Wagon throwback vinyl on the side, but you've got to admit, it's kind of cool.

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"What trim level is this again?"

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Bright freaking red is a perfect color for this truck.

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You'd think Ram was really excited about this truck or something.

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You can almost fit a Smart ForTwo in the Power Wagon's suspension gap. (Not really, please don't try.)

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If the Power Wagon's chunky grille looks familiar, that's because it's been borrowed from the Ram 1500 Rebel.

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The Power Wagon starts off as a Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab.

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From there, Ram equips it with all manner of unique off-road accessories, including a 12,000 pound winch and a suspension with a 2-inch lift.

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The Power Wagon will tow 10,030 pounds and haul 1,510 pounds.

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Don't worry -- the graphics are optional.

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Buyers can pick up a Power Wagon in several different colors -- white, red, silver, blue, granite or black.

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The 12,000-pound Warn winch gives you 125 feet of line, but it's pretty well hidden beneath that big front bumper.

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The truck carries some very strong axles courtesy of American Axle Manufacturing, measuring 9.25 inches up front and 11.5 inches out back.

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Both axles include locking differentials.

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The front axle can be disconnected in certain conditions to provide a fuel-economy benefit of a whopping 1 mpg.

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Along with the 2-inch lift, the Power Wagon's suspension includes upgraded Bilstein shocks, new control arms and different spring rates.

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Ram's also including its trick Articulink system, which adds to axle articulation when off-roading.

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Chunky, 33-inch off-road tires will help you get over obstacles without gashing your wheels to hell and back.

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"What kind of truck is this again? Oh, right."

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You can have the Power Wagon however you like it, provided you like only crew cabs.

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Fabric seats are standard, but buyers can opt for leather if they want.

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Standard interior tech includes an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch multipurpose display that rests between the gauges.

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Even more badges -- on the seats this time!

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The Power Wagon offers just one engine -- a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque.

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No need to worry about clearance -- you've got 14.3 inches between you and the ground, 2.3 inches more than the standard Ram 2500.

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Articulation won't be a problem with the Power Wagon's equipment loadout.

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For the number-chasers among us, the truck sports a 33.6-degree approach angle, a 26.2-degree departure angle and a 23.5-degree breakover.

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Whether or not you like trucks, you've got to admit -- the Power Wagon is a perfect name for something like this.

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